Medicare open enrollment ends Saturday

11 Dec Medicare open enrollment ends Saturday

It’s time for Medicare participants to finalize their 2014 coverage decision.

The open enrollment period for HMO-style Medicare Advantage or stand-alone prescription plans, which began on Oct. 15, ends at midnight Saturday. Seniors and disabled adults can go with this coverage, which is sold through private insurers approved by Medicare, or stick with traditional Medicare. Any plan changes made by consumers go into effect Jan. 1.

Seniors aren’t allowed to buy or switch plans after open enrollment ends. But if they decide they are unhappy with a plan, they can drop it and go back to traditional Medicare between Jan. 1 and Feb. 14.